This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 17, 2001

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:Maureen Peratino at (202) 418-0506

FCC INTERNATIONAL BUREAU AUTHORIZES
NEW MOBILE SATELLITE SERVICE SYSTEMS IN THE 2 GHz BAND

Washington, D.C. – Today the International Bureau authorized eight new mobile satellite services (MSS) systems in the 2 GHz band to provide service in the United States. The systems will be capable of providing mobile voice, data, Internet access and other new satellite communications services to all parts of the country, from urban areas to remote rural communities.

“These innovative, technologically-sophisticated MSS systems will promote greater competition among communications services, creating a wider range of choices for U.S. consumers,” remarked Donald Abelson, Chief of the International Bureau.

Today’s space station authorizations were issued to The Boeing Company; Celsat America, Inc.; Constellation Communications Holdings, Inc.; Globalstar, L.P.; ICO Services Ltd.; Iridium LLC; Mobile Communications Holding, Inc.; and TMI Communications and Company, Limited Partnership. Pursuant to the 2 GHz MSS licensing order that the Commission adopted in August 2000, each of the geostationary and non-geostationary orbit systems will be authorized to operate in an equal, 3.5 megahertz segment of spectrum in each of the 1990-2025 MHz and 2165-2200 MHz bands. This amount of spectrum allows licensees to move forward and implement their systems. The Bureau is delaying full implementation of the 2 GHz MSS licensing order with regard to an incremental .38 megahertz of spectrum per licensee in each band until the Commission has the opportunity to fully consider various pending proposals related to the 2 GHz frequencies.

For further information, contact Linda Haller at (202) 418-1408 or Howard Griboff at (202) 418-0657, in the International Bureau.